Journalistic reportage suffered set back in Kano Wednesday, when members
of the Fourth Estate of the realm were barred by Customs from covering
the visit of its Comptroller General of the service, Colonel Hamid Ali.
The visit of Comptroller General, Col. Hameed Ali who was represented
by the Deputy Comptroller General, John Atte to the commercial nerve
centre of the north where he was expected to meet with Stakeholders was
shrouded in secrecy by the service which brought about suspicion in the
media circle.
Reporters who stormed the Kano office of the Customs and Exercise
located along Club Road were humiliated by the tall order allegedly
handed down by its spokesperson, Duru Emmanuel Okechukwu that prevented
them access to the heavily fortified office at Bompai GRA.
Stern looking officers at the gate were not ready for a tea party as
attempt by Reporters to gain access were contained by the heavily armed
guards who successfully bundled no fewer than four Journalists that
played a smart game.
“We are under strict instructions to keep intruders away, and I’m
afraid Reporters are not welcome for this event. “, an Inspector
explained.
Kano came under spotlight recently following a high profile seizures
by the service from Chinese businessmen that was discretely released
weeks after.
A textile merchant at Kanti Kwori market, Alhaji Isa Gara told
Vanguard that ” there are lot of dirty deal in this Kano zonal office
and it is not tactical to allow critical press into it”.
In a swift reaction, Chairman of the Correspondent chapel, Mr. Edwin
Olofu has transmitted a protest letter to Deputy Comptroller, Kano zone
over the ill treatment.